While it was “understandable” that he’s tired, former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III on Tuesday opposed President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement that he would step down if the likes of former Senator Bongbong Marcos succeeds him.
“Well hindi lang ‘yung understandable that he’s tired eh, meron din ‘yung habang nagpapakapagod ka ng todo-todo… tao ka rin naman eh, kadalasan pambabatikos ang mapapala mo kaysa yung (positibo),” Aquino said on the sidelines of the 35th death anniversary commemoration of his father, former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr. at the Manila Memorial Park in Sucat, Parañaque City.
“Minsan para kang baterya na over-drained,” he added.
He was reacting to Duterte’s statement that he was already tired and that he would resign if Marcos would win at his electoral protest against Vice President Leni Robredo, saying he does not want Robredo to be his successor.
READ: Duterte: I’d be happy to step down | Duterte to step down if Bongbong Marcos, Chiz Escudero would replace him
READ: Duterte rejects Robredo as his successor, says Naga a hotbed of shabu
But Aquino reminded Duterte of what is stated in the Constitution once a president steps down.
“Ako naman maiintindihan nyo salungat sa opinyon nya (Duterte). Kung aalis sya sa pwesto sino ba ang pangalawang chief executive ng ating bansa? Anong mandato ng Konstitusyon? he asked.
“Sana ang Chief Executive na nagpapatupad ng lahat ng ating batas ang magsabi ng constitutional succession,” he also said, while also admitting that he had no ability to truly interpret Duterte’s words.
Aquino added: “Siya narin nagsabi na may panahong nagbibiro sya at may panahong seryoso siya… wala yata kong kakayahan na ipaliwanag kung ano sinasabi nya.”
Aquino said he is confident that Robredo could handle the presidency if ever Duterte resigns.
“I’m very confident that she can (handle the presidency),” he said.
“Siguro more importantly imbes na opinyon ko, (mahalaga) ‘yung opinyon ng bumoto sa kanya,” he also said. /muf